What potential hazard should you anticipate if a thunderstorm capable of producing hail is reported near your area?

When considering the potential hazards associated with a thunderstorm capable of producing hail, it is crucial to focus on the specific risks attributed to hail itself. The primary concern in this context is the accumulation of hail on roadways, which can create dangerous driving conditions, obstruct transportation, and lead to accidents. Hailstones can vary in size, and when they fall in significant quantities, they can build up on roads, making them impassable and creating risks for vehicles and pedestrians alike. In addition to obstructing roadways, hail accumulation can also lead to more severe injuries and damage, particularly if it falls quickly or is accompanied by strong winds.

While other hazards mentioned—such as strong winds, flooding, and power outages—can also occur during thunderstorms, they are not the direct result of hail and wouldn't be the main concern unless specifically discussing hail's impact. Strong winds may cause damage, flooding can result from heavy rainfall, and lightning strikes may indeed lead to power outages. However, when focused explicitly on the hazards that are a direct consequence of hail, road-blocking accumulation takes precedence.